[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 175 (Thursday, September 10, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 54530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-22788]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Hollings 
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (HMEP) Program Application 
Requirements

AGENCY: NIST, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before November 9, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Diane Henderson, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, 
100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4800, 301-975-5105, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) 
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) works with small and 
medium-sized U.S. manufacturers to help them create and retain jobs, 
increase profits, and save time and money. The nationwide network 
provides a variety of services, from innovation strategies to process 
improvements to sustainable manufacturing, supply chain and technology 
acceleration services. MEP centers also work with partners at the State 
and Federal levels on programs that put manufacturers in position to 
develop new customers, expand into new markets and create new products.
    As a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce, MEP offers a range 
of effective resources to help manufacturers identify opportunities 
that will accelerate and strengthen their growth and competitiveness in 
the global marketplace.
    MEP is a nationwide network of more than 1,200 technical experts--
located in every State--serving as trusted business advisors focused on 
transforming U.S. manufacturers to compete globally, supporting supply 
chain integration, and providing access to technology for improved 
productivity. MEP is built around manufacturing extension centers 
locally positioned throughout the 50 States and Puerto Rico. MEP 
Centers are a diverse network of State, non-profit university-based, 
and other non-profit organizations, offering products and services that 
address the critical needs of their local manufacturers.
    Each MEP Center works directly with area manufacturers to provide 
expertise and services tailored to their most critical needs, ranging 
from process improvement and workforce development to business 
practices and technology transfer. Additionally, MEP Centers connect 
manufacturers with government and trade associations, universities and 
research laboratories, and a host of other public and private resources 
to help them realize individual business goals.
    Through local and national resources, MEP Centers have helped 
thousands of manufacturers reinvent themselves, increase profits, 
create jobs and establish a foundation for long-term business growth 
and productivity.
    This request is for the information collection requirements 
associated with submission of proposals for NIST MEP funding. The 
intent of the collection is to meet statutory requirements for NIST 
MEP, as well as compliance with 15 U.S.C. 278k, as implemented in 15 
CFR part 290.

II. Method of Collection

    Electronically via www.grants.gov.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0693-0056.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular Revision of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Affected Public: U.S.-based nonprofit institution or organization. 
Nonprofit institutions include public and private nonprofit 
organizations, nonprofit or State colleges and universities, public or 
nonprofit community and technical colleges, and State, local or Tribal 
governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 24.
    Estimated Time per Response: 112 hrs.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,688 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: 0.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: September 4, 2015.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-22788 Filed 9-9-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-13-P